For those considering purchasing an iPhone, here's a summary of key points to help you buy a reliable used iPhone.

 

If you're a first-time buyer of a used iPhone, you probably have various concerns, such as safety and how to choose the right device.

Unlike new products, used items have several points that require attention during purchase.

 

Therefore, this article explains how to identify a reliable used iPhone and points to note when purchasing one.

By using this as a reference, you should be able to purchase an inexpensive used device and continue using it comfortably.

 

How to Choose a Used iPhone

 

 

To choose a reliable used iPhone, it's important to first know the key selection points.

We'll introduce four points, so keep them in mind when choosing a used iPhone. 　

 

 

Selection Point 1: Warranty

 

When choosing a used iPhone, check if a warranty is included.

If the iPhone was recently released, it might still have a manufacturer's warranty.

 

Even if the manufacturer's warranty has expired, some stores offer their own warranties.

While you want to avoid the risk of the iPhone breaking down immediately after purchase, with a used item, that possibility is not zero.

 

If you want to buy a reliable used iPhone, first check if there's a warranty and for how long it's valid. 　

 

 

Selection Point 2: Specifications

 

Specifications are also important when choosing an iPhone.

Generally, higher specifications lead to faster processing speeds and a more comfortable user experience.

 

The three key areas to focus on are "processor," "memory," and "storage capacity."

The processor affects processing speed.

 

For example, the speed of browsing the web or the processing speed of fast-paced games is determined by the processor's performance.

 

Memory relates to processing performance when using multiple apps.

More memory means higher processing performance, making it less likely for operations to slow down.

 

Finally, storage capacity is the amount of data that can be saved on the device.

How many photos, installed apps, and videos you can save depends on the storage capacity.

 

How people use their iPhones varies.

It's important to consider your own usage and choose a device with appropriate specifications. 　

 

 

Selection Point 3: Device Condition

 

If you want to choose a reliable used iPhone, thoroughly check the device's condition.

If the screen has scratches or cracks, it might be difficult to operate.

 

Also, check for scratches or dents on the body and ensure that buttons function normally.

Even though it's used, you're buying a new-to-you iPhone, so the device's operability and appearance are important points.

 

Examine it thoroughly and purchase an iPhone you're satisfied with. 　

 

 

 

Selection Point 4: SIM Lock

 

Finally, regarding SIM lock.

A SIM lock is a restriction that allows a device to be used only with a specific carrier.

 

For example, if you buy an iPhone from Docomo and the SIM lock isn't解除, you can only use it with a Docomo SIM card.

SIM locks can be removed at the carrier's shop.

 

However, since removing it takes effort, an iPhone with an unlocked SIM can be used more easily.

Used iPhones may have SIM locks, so it's important to check the lock status and ensure it can be used without issues.

 

 

Where to Buy a Used iPhone

 

 

Used iPhones are affordable and appealing to those looking to change models.

 

But where can you buy a used iPhone?

There are surprisingly many places to buy them.

 

Generally, most people buy from one of the following six locations:

 

 

　

Purchase Location 1: Physical Used Smartphone Shops

 

First, there are used smartphone shops with physical stores.

 

Having a physical store allows you to actually check the condition of the iPhone, which provides peace of mind.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can consult with staff directly, making it a recommended place to purchase for first-time used iPhone buyers.

 

However, shops with physical stores tend to have higher prices for the devices.

This is because they incur higher expenses such as rent and labor costs for maintaining the store.

 

The device price may seem higher compared to online purchases.

It is recommended for those who want to buy a reliable used iPhone.

 

However, if price is your main concern, you might want to consider other purchasing methods. 　

 

 

Purchase Location 2: Online Used Smartphone Shops

 

Online-only used smartphone shops are also an option.

 

Since there are no physical stores, you cannot directly inspect the iPhone itself.

However, online sales have the advantage of providing detailed information on specifications.

 

For example, product condition, specifications, and battery capacity are clearly displayed with numerical values.

In most cases, photos of the device are also provided.

 

However, it is undeniable that it can be difficult to confirm the actual condition online.

To compensate for this drawback of online shopping, many stores offer extended original warranties.

 

Various measures are taken to ensure the reliability of used iPhones, so there should be no concerns. 　

 

 

Purchase Location 3: Online Flea Markets and Online Auctions

 

Some people buy used iPhones on online flea markets or online auctions.

 

Since these are peer-to-peer sales, prices can be lower, and negotiation may be possible.

If you want to purchase at a lower price than a shop, this might be a strong option.

 

However, when buying from individuals, the condition of the iPhone may not be good.

There might be more scratches than expected, or it could be a "red ROM" device that has been suspended by a carrier.

 

There's a possibility of personal information remaining on the device or the activation lock not being disabled.

If you want to purchase a reliable used iPhone, it's generally best to avoid peer-to-peer transactions online.

 

If you do decide to purchase, be sure to thoroughly check the device's condition beforehand. 　

 

 

Purchase Location 4: Carrier Online Shops and Physical Stores

 

Used iPhones may also be sold at carrier online shops or physical stores.

 

Only devices that have passed the carrier's quality checks are sold, making them reliable used iPhones.

Also, if sold in a physical store, you can physically inspect the device's condition.

 

You can also consult with staff.

Even if purchased online, support services and warranties are available, providing peace of mind after purchase.

 

However, some carriers may not sell used iPhones without a communication contract.

Purchasing might require entering a communication contract, which makes it unsuitable for those who want to use a low-cost SIM.

 

Used iPhones sold at carrier shops are reliable.

However, consider your needs and check in advance if it's the right purchasing location for you. 　

 

 

 

Purchase Location 5: Low-Cost SIM Online Shops and Physical Stores

 

Used iPhones are also sold at low-cost SIM online shops and physical stores.

 

When using a used device, many people want to further reduce costs by using a low-cost SIM.

Therefore, this can be said to be a suitable sales channel for their needs.

 

If there's a physical store, you can consult with staff.

Also, as it's a shop, warranties and support services are often available, making it suitable for those looking for a reliable used iPhone.

 

However, it's often necessary to enter into a communication contract with the low-cost SIM shop selling the used iPhone.

While there's no issue if you purchase from your current low-cost SIM shop, you might be required to switch providers.

 

If you're considering switching to a low-cost SIM, this might be one of your top choices. 　

 

 

Purchase Location 6: Apple Certified Refurbished Products

 

Finally, we introduce how to purchase Apple Certified Refurbished products.

Apple refurbishes iPhones they've bought back and sells those deemed to be of uncompromised quality at a lower price.

 

These iPhones generally have performance comparable to new ones, and a major advantage is that they come with a one-year Apple warranty.

You can also enroll in AppleCare+.

 

However, certified refurbished products are not always in stock.

They might not be available when you want them, so consider them something you can buy if the timing is right.

 

Also, prices tend to be higher compared to other purchase locations.

This is a recommended purchasing method for those who can accept both the price and availability, and want a reliable used iPhone.

 

 

Reasons why buying a used iPhone online is recommended over physical stores

 

We've introduced six ways to buy a used iPhone.

 

However, for those considering purchasing a used iPhone, we recommend buying online rather than from a physical store.

We'll explain why online purchasing, where you can't physically inspect the product, is recommended, from three perspectives. 　

 

 

Reason 1: You can compare multiple shops

 

First, it's because you can easily compare multiple shops.

 

Online, you can compare various stores that handle used iPhones from the comfort of your home.

If you were to visit physical stores, you'd need time for travel, and it would be harder to compare with other stores.

 

However, online, you can compare device conditions and prices in a short amount of time.

Since photos will also be posted, you can quickly check the actual condition of the device.

 

The first reason is that you can check iPhones from various shops without spending much time, making comparisons easy. 　

 

 

Reason 2: Clear ranking criteria mean less regret after purchase

 

Clear ranking criteria are another reason to buy a used iPhone online.

Most shops selling used iPhones display a rank for used items.

 

They are categorized into "Rank A," "Rank B," "Rank C," etc., but the ranking criteria are set very strictly.

This means that there are almost no products labeled "Rank A" that would feel like "Rank B."

 

Some people may be concerned that the iPhone they receive might be in poor condition.

However, the ranking criteria for used iPhones are clear, and it's unlikely you'll regret your purchase. 　

 

 

Reason 3: Abundant inventory means you'll definitely find the model you want

 

Abundant inventory is another attractive aspect of online shopping.

 

Even if you try to buy a reliable used iPhone at a physical store, you might not find the model you want.

Since the number of stores you can actually visit is limited, it's common for stores not to carry the model you're looking for.

 

However, online, you can view the inventory of shops located all over the country via the internet.

This means you can check a wider variety of inventory, which is effective for those who have a specific model in mind.

 

 

Advantages of Buying a Used iPhone

 

 

There are various advantages to buying a used iPhone.

For those who have only ever bought new, a used iPhone might seem very appealing. 　

 

 

 

Advantage ① Lower price compared to new products

 

A major advantage of used iPhones is their lower price compared to new products.

 

New iPhones can sometimes cost over 100,000 yen.

However, used ones can sometimes be purchased for around 30,000 to 50,000 yen.

 

iPhones are very expensive products.

For those who want to minimize costs when changing models, the lower price of used iPhones is a significant advantage. 　

 

 

Advantage ② iOS support available even for models from several years ago

 

For iPhones, even models from several years ago can receive iOS support.

 

Apple is a manufacturer that provides long-term software support.

Therefore, even a reliable used iPhone purchased secondhand may still receive iOS support.

 

iOS support is necessary to maintain security levels and receive updates.

If software support has ended, you won't receive updates even if security vulnerabilities are found.

 

With Apple's long software support, purchasing a used device will alleviate concerns. 　

 

 

Advantage ③ Older models can still be used without issues

 

Used iPhones, even older models, can generally be used without issues.

For example, even older models can use the latest apps and have compatibility with the latest iOS, providing peace of mind.

 

Apple designs and develops both hardware and software in-house.

Therefore, even older models have compatibility and are designed to work without issues for everyday use.

 

One concern when buying used is whether current services can be used.

With Apple iPhones, even used devices are designed to work with the latest services.

 

If new iPhones feel too expensive, considering a used one might be an option.

 

 

Advantage ④ You can find the perfect model for you

 

When considering a reliable used iPhone, it becomes easier to find a model that suits you.

Various iPhones are sold in the used market.

 

And the needs of those who want to buy an iPhone are also diverse.

For example, some people may not need a device with as many features and as high performance as the latest model.

 

If you don't need the latest model, you might find that a used model at a reduced price suits you better.

For example, if you don't watch videos or play games, you might feel content with just making calls, using LINE, and searching the web.

 

Most of the latest models boast high performance and functionality.

However, by searching for a used iPhone, you can sometimes find a lower-priced iPhone that perfectly matches your usage habits.

 

Finding a model that suits you, including those previously sold, is one of the advantages of used iPhones.

 

 

Disadvantages of Buying a Used iPhone

 

Even with a reliable iPhone, there are disadvantages to purchasing it used.

If you're considering a used purchase, understand the disadvantages before deciding how to buy. 　

 

 

Disadvantage ① High price

 

Even used, an iPhone is still an expensive product.

Of course, the price is lower compared to new ones, but some models still cost close to 100,000 yen.

 

The biggest advantage of used products is arguably their lower price compared to new ones.

However, if the price is still high even for a used item, you might consider whether buying new would be safer.

 

The fact that used items can still be expensive might be perceived as a disadvantage by buyers of used goods. 　

 

 

Disadvantage ② Accessories may not be included

 

Even if you purchase a used iPhone through a reliable method, accessories may not be included.

New iPhones typically come with earphones, stickers, and a charger.

 

However, with used items, it's not uncommon for not all accessories to be included.

Therefore, if you desire to have the accessories, you might feel that a used iPhone has significant disadvantages.

 

 

Points to Check When Purchasing a Used iPhone

 

If you're buying a reliable used iPhone, there are six key points you'll want to check.

If you're considering a purchase, keeping these six points in mind when choosing a device should help minimize mistakes. 　

 

 

 

Point 1: Check for "red lock" status

 

First, it's essential to check if the device is a "red lock."

A red lock refers to a device whose usage has been suspended by the carrier. This happens for devices with unpaid balances or stolen devices.

 

If a device has a red lock, you won't be able to communicate with it, even if you purchase it.

Since it won't function as a mobile phone, please check beforehand if it has a red lock.

 

You can check by entering the IMEI number on the carrier's website.

It's important to note that a certain percentage of used iPhones may have a red lock.

 

 

Point 2: Check SIM lock status

 

It's also necessary to check whether the SIM lock has been unlocked.

If the lock is active, you can only use a SIM card from the carrier that sold the device.

 

An iPhone purchased from Docomo can only use Docomo's network.

For those who want to use other carriers or low-cost SIMs, unlocking the SIM lock will be an extra step.

 

Make sure to check if the used iPhone being sold has its SIM lock unlocked.

iPhones sold after October 1, 2021, do not have SIM locks set [1].

 

However, be aware that devices sold before September 30, 2021, should have SIM locks set. 　

 

[1] Reference: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: (PDF) About SIM Locks

 

 

Point 3: Check for warranty coverage

 

When purchasing a used iPhone, checking for warranty coverage is also an important point.

When you buy new, a manufacturer's warranty is included.

 

However, for used devices, the manufacturer's warranty period may have expired.

Some retailers even offer their own warranty systems for used products.

 

The warranty period and content vary by retailer.

However, purchasing from a retailer that offers a warranty will likely ensure you get a reliable used iPhone.

 

We recommend purchasing a device with a warranty. 　

 

 

Point 4: Check if iOS support has ended

 

Checking the iOS support period is another item to look into.

The end-of-support period for iOS varies by iPhone model.

 

Model	End of Support Period	Last Supported iOS
iPhone 6	2019	iOS 14
iPhone 7	2022	iOS 16
iPhone 8	2023	iOS 17
iPhone X	2023	iOS 17

 

Here's a list of models whose iOS support has ended by 2024.

 

Generally, support ends 5 years after release.

Therefore, support for iPhone X and later models will also end sequentially.

 

Even if support ends, the iPhone will not become unusable.

However, the lack of updates will lead to a decrease in security levels.

 

To maintain a high level of security, you should keep the iOS end-of-support period in mind. 　

 

 

Point 5: Check if the battery is degraded

 

If you're buying a reliable used iPhone, also pay attention to the battery's degradation level.

Batteries degrade with each charge cycle.

 

They also degrade just by being left unused, so an older iPhone might have significant battery degradation.

When a battery degrades, it may run out quickly or the device might suddenly power off.

 

An iPhone with more than 80% battery capacity remaining can still be considered not significantly degraded. 　

 

 

 

Point 6: Check for Activation Lock status

 

The final checklist item is to confirm whether the activation lock has been removed.

If the activation lock is enabled, you cannot use the device without entering the previous owner's Apple ID and password.

 

This means if you don't know the previous owner, you won't be able to use the device even if you buy it.

If you purchase a used iPhone from a trusted store, the activation lock should have been removed.

 

However, when making a purchase, always confirm that the lock has been removed as a precaution.

 

 

Purchase a used iPhone from a trusted store

 

How was it?

We hope this article has helped you understand the precautions to take when buying a used iPhone.

 

Used iPhones offer various benefits, including price advantages.

However, it is also true that there are drawbacks and points to be aware of.

 

PRODIG, the official online store for used smartphones and tablets, maintains strict quality standards for used iPhones and offers a long-term warranty of 180 days.

 

If you are looking to purchase a reliable used iPhone, please consider PRODIG.

 

Click here for a list of used iPhone products offered by PRODIG

 

Click here for a list of used smartphone products offered by PRODIG